The Board of Regents received several reports and proposals Thursday that will shape the future of Iowa State if approved next month.

The spring enrollment report, coupled with bleak news from the Legislature, prompted debate about the options Regents institutions are facing concerning educational quality.

“Even after vigorous debates on tuition . enrollments are still going up,” Regent David Fisher said.

While 1,610 students graduated in December, 1,678 new students enrolled, leaving total enrollment at 25,875, according to Regent documents.

Diana Gonzalez, assistant director of academic affairs in the board office, said she hears a lot about the value of state universities.

“I think students and families still look at the Regent universities for value and opportunities,” she said.

But with more students and fewer resources, the Regents’ universities are strapped.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy said Iowa State’s student-to-faculty ratio has increased 20 percent in six years.

Regent Mary Ellen Becker said it is key to remind the Legislature of the importance of higher education.

“An investment in higher education is an investment in the economic growth of the state,” Becker said.

The Regents were very concerned about the volume of students at all institutions. It discussed limiting enrollment and making admissions requirements more stringent.

“We have a lot of pom-pommers and a lot of beer drinkers,” said Regent Clarkson Kelly. “Universal education is not meant to take everyone as far as they want to go, unless they apply themselves.”

Parking, miscellaneous fees

Board policy requires 30 days public notice before changes in fees are enacted. In accordance with that, the Regents were presented plans on university parking systems and changes in nontuition related fees and charges.

It was proposed that student and general staff parking permits increase $45 through the next three years, while reserved permits will increase $75 through three years. Stadium permits will increase $15 during that same period.

Next fall, student and student government permits will likely cost $57, an increase of 37.5 percent. Stadium permits will increase 11.9 percent to $47. Motorcycle permits will increase to $25, up 25 percent.

Iowa State requested permission to add two new fees, increase 13 fees and delete or reduce three fees. Students will only be billed for these miscellaneous fees and charges as applicable. All tuition-related fee increases were approved in November.

Other business

The board also pondered plans for the Regents university residence hall systems. On average, Iowa State students will be faced with a 7.6 percent increase in rates next fall, but rates will vary by room location.

“[Options are] critical because our students are as interested in amenities as they are in what they are paying,” said Randy Alexander, director of the Department of Residence.

Regents will likely approve a 6 percent meal plan increase.

The Board of Regents asked ISU officials to seek new bids for construction of a North Campus Chilled Water Plant because the company selected by Iowa State is based in Minnesota.

Warren Madden, vice president for business and finance, said the university believed Sebesta Blomberg and Associates of Roseville, Minn., was the most qualified for the job. Several Regents expressed concern that qualified Iowa-based firms were not selected for the job.

Also, the board approved the university’s recommendation to discontinue the undergraduate minor in athletic training, offered by the Department of Health and Human Performance in the College of Education. No students are currently pursuing the minor.